Course Descriptions

Our GCC Parent Education program provides a welcoming community

where parents, caregivers, and children learn, grow, and thrive together.

From your baby's earliest days through the preschool years, our experienced child development specialists guide families through every stage of development with research-based parenting education, meaningful discussion, & engaging parent-child activities. Whether you're celebrating milestones, navigating challenges, or simply looking to connect with other families, you'll find encuragement, practical strategies, & a supportive community every step of the way.

PARED 10 – Circle of Families for parents, caregivers and infants (birth–8 months)

Welcome your newest family member in a warm, supportive community. Parents and caregivers enjoy bonding activities with their babies while exploring topics such as sleep, feeding, responsive caregiving, and building secure parent-infant attachment during these precious early months.

PARED 11 – Growing Together for parents, caregivers and infants (9–16 months)

As your baby becomes more active and curious, enjoy music, movement, sensory experiences, and play together. Parent discussions focus on nurturing attachment, supporting emerging independence, and encouraging healthy development through every new milestone.

PARED 12 – Play and Explore for parents, caregivers and infants (17–23 months)

Celebrate your toddler's growing independence through sensory play, art, music, movement, and hands-on exploration. Parents and caregivers gain practical strategies for guiding behavior, encouraging communication, supporting development, and navigating big emotions with confidence.

PARED 21 – Discovery Time for parents, caregivers and children (2-3 years)

Spark curiosity through hands-on activities, music, stories, imaginative play, and opportunities to build friendships. Parent discussions provide practical tools for supporting emotional development, encouraging language growth, setting healthy boundaries, and fostering learning through everyday play.

PARED 31 – Adventures and Friends For parents, caregivers, and pre-kindergarten children (4–5 years)

Children explore science, cooking, art, stories, music, movement, and imaginative play while developing creativity, confidence, and friendships. Parents and caregivers discuss play-based learning, positive guidance, and ways to strengthen parent-child relationships during these exciting years.

PARED 41 – Tinker & Create for parents and caregivers with pre-kindergarten children (4–5 years)

Help your child build confidence and school readiness through engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences that keep play at the heart of education. Parent discussions focus on supporting a smooth transition to kindergarten while nurturing strong, positive family relationships.

PARED 50 – Learning and Playing Together Multi-Age for parents, caregivers, and children from birth through pre-kindergarten

Families with children of different ages learn and play together through art, stories, music, movement, discovery activities, and imaginative play. Parents and caregivers explore strategies for supporting children at every developmental stage while fostering positive family relationships and joyful learning.

PARED 54 – Working Parents: Child Observation and Care for working parents and caregivers (0-6 years)

Designed for busy families, this course combines child development education with practical strategies for balancing work and family life. Learn to better understand your child's development while connecting with other working parents and caregivers facing similar challenges.

PARED 60 – Positive Parenting Adult-only or parent-child sections (depending on the section offered)

Develop practical, respectful parenting strategies that strengthen family relationships while helping children build responsibility, self-control, resilience, and problem-solving skills. Course format varies by section.

PARED 70 – Working with Families and Children Adult-only

Designed for parent volunteers, school support staff, caregivers, and anyone interested in strengthening partnerships between families, schools, and communities. Explore effective communication, family engagement, and strategies that support children's success at home, in school, and beyond.

PARED 103 – Anger Management and Positive Discipline Adult-only

Gain practical tools for managing stress, responding calmly during challenging moments, and building healthier parent-child relationships. Through expert guidance, supportive discussion, and evidence-based strategies, parents and caregivers learn respectful approaches to discipline, emotional regulation, and effective communication that strengthen the entire family.